New ECOlogical driving test launched

New ECOlogical driving test launched

An ECOlogical driving test was launched on 1st September 2009. The test is designed to assess the driver’s fuel economy and accident avoidance skills.

This new test is set to become a vocational test and is being closely watched by Whitehall.

The voluntary 90-minute test provides a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Drivers will pass if they demonstrate a high level of safe, defensive and environmentally friendly driving. The Eco-Advanced Driving Test costs £160 and will test drivers on most types of road situation.

Drivers who are successful could benefit from:

fuel consumption savings up to 15% below the vehicle’s official average

reduced risk of incidents and reduced vehicle wear and tear by up to 60%

maximum vehicle insurance discounts

The test is targeting over 20 million UK business and vocational car and van drivers. Eco-qualified drivers will be attractive to employers who wish to reduce their business vehicle running costs. A major supermarket chain is already “keenly interested” and many more employers are expected to demand that their work drivers be Eco Certified. It’s highly likely that vehicle insurers will encourage companies, or at least ‘risk sensitive’ businesses, to employ Ecoqualified drivers.

The £160 test cost “will be amortised in weeks to then be permanently profitable for all successful candidates”, say test creators the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADINJC) and Driver Education Research Foundation (DERF). DERF Director Peter Russell adds: “Successful candidates will be the top 10% of Britain’s business drivers. The test could spread abroad.”